Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be, across the nation and across the world. It is just past 4:30 a.m. in "The City.

Let me dispense with the mundane things of life. Yesterday was sunny and the temperature was by and large pleasant. That allowed me to get to the annual washing of the front porch deck and furniture and allowed Mary and Ginger to go walkabout to the downtown and the waterfront.

A current temperature of 65° under mostly-clear skies will give way to today's high temperature of 75° once the sun rises @ 6:08 a.m. and before it sets @ 9:28 p.m. The NWS has no rain in the forecast until Monday, and that is with only a 40 probability.

I was up early yesterday, surprise, and since I was, I took some pix of the sunrise and the mean streets of "The City" @ 6:00 a.m. I'll add a few of those before I move on to Mary's pix and baseball, because was we know, "Baseball is Life!" Don't forget, you can enlarge any pic by clicking on it.

As a budding artist, I found the mix of colors caused by the sun behind the clouds fascinating.

Same reason.

 

At 6:00 a.m., the streets were devoid of tourists and cars looking west.

And east.

Once I had bid the girls adieu, I got to work and did a thorough job washing the porch and the furniture. Winter has a way of causing the dirt to accumulate when you are't looking. I was going to do more, but as I've noted before, there is always another day. 

I did get some color added to the painting I am working on, but t us far from finished. However, Mary and Ginger were also enjoying their day too. I had asked Mary to stop in @ The Cook's Store, Ironically owned and operated by people named Cook. I wanted a kitchen tool to make grating ginger root easier, along with a tool used to make julienned carrots more easier. She was able to get both. Ginger, the dog, got her biscuit treat while she was in the store. 

As I said, the girls were downtown to see the annual Grand Haven Art Festival and to do some reading and picture taking. I'll include some random pix here for your viewing pleasure.

There was no shortage of tourists in town for the festival.

Some even took rides in this "Banana Car."

Of course, the channel was filled with weekend boating enthusiasts.

Some just docked.

Everyone was in a party mood.

I don't remember the fest spilling onto Harbor Drive in previous years.

Although Mary and Ginger didn't get that far, the West Michigan Beach Volleyball Tournament was also in full swing. However, as we later learned, the high water level of the "Big Lake" had eroded and shrunk the beaches, moving the tournament away from the lake and causing spectators to spill onto the roadway. 

Other people avoided the downtown by lounging on the nearby grassy knoll.

Or resting in what Mary has dubbed, Hammock Hill, I believe.

On their way home, Ginger and Mary had a conversation with our neighbor, Aaron, and learned that the doe that Mary had christened Betsy, had also been christened by Aaron's children. They call her Penny. Aaron believes that Betsy or Penny has made a home in the bushes behind both our homes.

Baseball news yesterday was interesting, to say the least. 

The 45 - 38, 1st place in the NL Central Cubs, came back from that horrendous outing against the 37 - 43, 5th place in the NL Central Reds, 6 - 0, including a Grand Slam Home Run by Javier Baez. The Cubs are one-full game ahead of the 2nd place Brewers. The Cubs and the Reds close out their series @ 1:10 p.m. EDT today, before moving on to Pittsburgh on Monday for a game @ 7:05 EDT.

My beloved, 44 - 39. 3rd place in the AL East Red Sox, were outplayed by the 53 - 28, 1st place Yankees, 13 - 17. The final score made it look like a football game had been played, but it wasn't all that close until late in the game. The Sox and the Yankees close out their trip to London with a game today @ 10:10 a.m.

The 27 - 51, 4th place in the AL Central Tigers, snapped their 8 game losing streak with a 7 - 5 win over the 41 - 41, 3rd place in the NL East Nationals, 7 - 5. JaCoby Jones robbed the Nats Victor Robles of a home run with a stunning over the wall catch that is one of just many reasons why I love baseball.  Here is a video, courtesy of MLB™, of the amazing 3rd inning catch that robbed Nats rookie Victor Robles of that home run.

 

https://www.mlb.com/tigers/news/jacoby-jones-steals-home-run-from-victor-robles

The 25 - 5, 6th place in the MWL East, West Michigan WhiteCaps, stunned the 46 - 32, 2nd place Lake County, OH Captains and their fans with a solid 7 - 3 win yesterday. The Caps and the Captains play again today @ 6:00 p.m.

Otherwise, its back to the easel, back to the kitchen and back to baseball for me. Mary will be reading and relaxing too, after her extended walkabout with Ginger yesterday. Ciao.

Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be, across the nation and across the world. It is just past 5:30 a.m. in "The City."

This time for sure! I am going to keep this blog a short one

We have a current temperature of 66° under mostly-cloudy skies. Today's high should be a comfortable 72° under partly-cloudy skies. That's once the sun rises @ 6:08 a.m. and well before it sets tonight @ 9:28 p.m. There is only a 10% chance of showers in that forecast.

Mary and Ginger plan to walk through the annual Grand Haven Art Festival located on Washington Ave, in downtown GH. Once they have breezed through there, the plan calls for Mary to take her book and sit on the waterfront and read while Ginger attracts numerous requests for pets from passersby. Of course, Ginger doesn't know any of these plans, but she is always glad to go for a walk.

Baseball news yesterday was all bad. The 44 - 38, still in 1st place in the NL Central Cubs, lost a game in Cincinnati  to the 37 - 42 Reds. They also lost starting pitcher Cole Hamels to the 10-day IL with an injury to his left oblique muscle. He departed the mound after warming up in the top of the 2nd and was replaced by Mike Montgomery who proved to be ineffective as was the rest of the relief corps. The Cubs ad the Reds play again today @ 4:30 p.m.

The woeful, 26 - 51, 5th place in the AL Central Tigers, lost to the 41 - 40, 3rd in the NL East Washington Nationals, 1 - 3. The Nationals have struggled from an early 10-game deficit in the league to move to one-game over .500. Today's game between the Tigers and the Nats will commence @ 4:10 p.m.

My beloved 44 - 38, 3rd in the AL East Red Sox, finally take the field in London, England today against the 52 - 28, 1st in the AL East Yankees @ 1:10 p.m. Notice that the Sox are in 3rd with the same record as the Cubs. The Sox play one more game in London against the Yankees tomorrow @ 10:10 a.m.

The overall, 24 - 53, 3 - 5 in the 2nd-half of the MWL East Season, West Michigan WhiteCaps, couldn't keep their hopes alive, as their winning streak ended yesterday with an, 0 - 1 loss to the 31 - 47 overall and also 3 - 5 in the 2nd-half of the season in the MWL East, Dayton Dragons. The Caps are home tonight to face the 46 - 31 overall, 6 - 2 in the 2nd-half , Lake County, OH Captains @ 7:05 p.m.

I made a stir-fry for lunch yesterday and Mary made a pizza for dinner. Both tasted great. Collectively we completed the usually difficult Friday crossword. I finished my latest novel and will start another today and hopefully do some painting while Mary and Ginger are on walkabout. Ciao.

Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be, across the nation and across the world. It is just past 5:30 a.m. in "The City.

We have a current temperature of 66° under clear skies. We had a warning of an impending storm last evening, with high-winds and possible T-storms, but that never materialized. But, this being GH, that is not surprising since we are on the shores of the "Big Lake."
At any rate, the sun will rise in less than one-hour @ 6:07 a.m. and set later @ 9:28 p.m. Once again, there exists the possibility of late afternoon/evening T-storms with a 40% possibility and our high today is forecast to reach 76°.

We did some indoor chores yesterday and I made some vegan sausages before we went to the chiropractor. My stiff neck received some treatment and I'll be going back today for a followup. My neck is feeling better, so a followup seems appropriate to keep me moving in the right direction.

Speaking of moving in the right direction, the 44 - 37, 1st place in the NL Central Cubs, were down 1 - 6 in their game against the 48 - 34 Braves @ Wrigley Field yesterday. However, with a strong come comeback effort in the 5th and 6th innings, the Cubs took the game from the Braves, 9 - 7. Newly signed relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel made his Wrigley debut and got the save for winning pitcher Tyler Chatwood. The Cubs move on to Cincinnati tonight to face the 36 - 42, 5th place in the NL Central Reds @ 7:10 p.m. EDT, when Cole Hamels gets the nod from manager Joe Maddon.

The Cubs' Javier Baez and Willson Contreras were named NL starters for the upcoming All-Star Game™. This is Contreras' 2nd All-Star Game™.

The 26 - 50, now 5th place in the AL Central Tigers, once again looked awful as starting pitcher Spencer Turnbull absorbed yet another loss when the Tigers' bats could not get it going and the Tigers lost to the 45 - 36 2nd place inthe AL West Rangers, 1 - 3. For once, the bullpen looked solid.

In an effort to shore up their bullpen, the Tigers and reliever Trevor Rosenthal are close to signing a minor-league deal. Rosenthal was released last Sunday by the Tigers next opponents, the 40 - 40 and disappointing Washington Nationals, when Rosenthal failed to get any outs as he attempts to come back from Tommy John surgery. Rosenthal is only 29 years old and worth a look, but whether he can come back is a mystery to all concerned. The Tigers welcome the Nats to Comerica Park tonight @ 7:10 p.m when Dan Norris tries to get the Tigers in the win column.

My beloved, 44 - 38, 3rd place in the AL East have been off for two days, as they flew to London, England to face the 55 - 28, 1st place in the AL East Yankees @ 1:10 p.m. EDT Saturday. For those who wonder, that's 6:10 p.m. in London.

What was that I said the other day about only needing 30 wins to get even with the MWL East? Oh yeah, any old kind of a 30 game win-streak would do it. Well, the 24 - 52 White Caps are on a roll! The Caps once again beat the toothless, 30 - 47, Dayton Dragons, this time by a score of 4 - 0. The 7th place Caps are now 3 - 4 in the 2nd half of the MWL East season, and they are ahead of the 8th place Dragons. The Caps try to make it five in a row in their game against the Dragons tonight @ 7:05 p.m.

I was going to keep this one short, but so much for that plan. I will go to the chiropractor this afternoon @ 2:00 p.m.and then to a photography session in Muskegon @ 7:30 p.m. this evening. The session on time-lapse photography will be a short classroom session, followed by some time in downtown Muskegon to put into practice what we've learned. In between, I hope to do more painting, more reading, play more music, and more relaxing. Ciao.

Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be, across the nation and across the world. It is just past 4:00 a.m. in "The City."

I only witnessed the afternoon run of the train on the RSTL yesterday, as I refused to get out of bed to actually see the morning, southbound run that I heard occur @ 8:30 a.m. However, since I was downstairs while Mary was at the grocery store l;ater inthe day @ 1:10 p.m., I was able to espy the northbound run of MMRR EMD GP 38-2 locomotive # 2019 as it towed six CHCs, two DBTCs, seven DWTCs, and one GTC.

I finally started my painting of a daisy yesterday. I have much of the background color on the canvas, but now I have to start adding the details. When it is done to my satisfaction, I'll put up a picture for your enjoyment/satisfaction too.

Speaking of daisies, it appears that the doe that Mary has christened Betsy, has not visited in the last two days. However, as you may recall, all of the rose buds in Mary's rose garden, not to be confused with the rose garden at that big house in Washington, D.C., have been a salad for Betsy. So, when we were in Spring Lake on Tuesday, Mary went to the Spring Lake Florist and purchased some flowers for her "Flower Room." In this case, they are a few Gerber Daisies, AKA Transvaal Daisies, so that she could have some color in her space. Since I had the chance, I took some pix of the daisies before they too succumb to the ages and lose their petals. 

You may recognize the 'vase" that Mary chose for her daisies. A nice bit of re-purposing, don't you think?

A different angle

A close up with my telephoto lens.

Yesterday in baseball was 1/4, .250, for all of my teams. The 43 - 37, 1st place in the NL Central Cubs, fell to the 48 - 33, 1st place in the NL East Braves, 3 - 5. In spite of Kris Bryant's solo home-run in the 5th, Yu Darvish finally moved the needle on his record to 2 - 4. He was totally ineffective as he watched baseballs fly out of the park. He couldn't seem to fool any of the Braves' hitters. The Cubs and the Braves play an afternoon game today @ 2:20 p.m. EDT.

My beloved, 44 - 38, 3rd place in the AL East Red Sox, also were tripped up, in their case by that 37 - 41, 3rd place in the AL Central other team from Chicago, 7 - 8. The Red Sox took the lead late in the game, but the bottom of the 9th saw that other team score twice and win the game. Today, the Red Sox welcome the 52 - 28, 1st place in the AL East Yankees to Fenway for a 1:10 p.m. game. 

It is worthy of note, that the Red Sox have a 44 - 38 record in the AL East, only good enough for 3rd place in their division, while the Cubs have a 43 - 37 record in the NL Central, allowing them to stay one-game ahead of the Brewers in 1st place. Ah, the vagaries of baseball.

The 26 - 49, 4th place Tigers also lost, as they could only score one measly run against the 44 -36, 2nd place in the AL West Rangers. The Tigers lost that game, 1 - 4. The Tigers are considering trading some pitching and hitting for "future prospects" , as this season is a study in futility. Some players are not performing up to their past efforts, both pitchers and hitters. As the All-Star break approaches, the Tigers will once again be sellers to interested and contending teams. The Tigers and the Rangers play this afternoon @ 1:10 p.m.

Holy winning streak Batman! The 8th place White Caps have won two in a row, to move to 23 - 52 in the MWL East with a 4 - 1 win over the 6th place Dayton Dragons. The Caps and the Dragons will play again tonight @ 7:05 p.m. Can the Caps make it three in a row? Stay tuned to this same channel.

I am certain that today should be less busy. We really don't have anything on tap until tomorrow night when I plan to go to the Camera Store in Muskegon for a class in Long Exposures, given as a free session to owners of any DSLR camera, but especially for people who have an Olympus DSLR camera. I am more interested in this photographic technique than Mary, so I may solo while Mary stays home with the fur-children. 

Saturday, we are signed-up to take a class in photographing fur-babies, getting the right framing and settings. If we go, both Mary and I will attend.

Otherwise, for long-time residents of Chicago, it was a sad day as veteran newsman, Russ Ewing passed away at his home in Paw Paw, MI yesterday @ the age of 95. He had a very interesting career, to say the least. 

Today, more painting, more reading, more music, and more retirement. What's not to like? I'm just glad that although our high temperature today will be a humid and sultry 80°, enough for me to turn on our A/C, we don't live in Europe, India, or many places in our own western states. The Czech Republic, Poland, and France will all set records with temperatures over 100° Fahrenheit! Our own state of CA has seen temperatures over 100° several times this year!

We have a current temperature of 63° before the sun rises @ 6:07 p.m. and long before it sets @ 9:28 p.m. No showers nor T-storms are in the forecast from the NWS. Ciao.

Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be, across the nation and across the world. It is just past 5:00 a.m. in "The City."

A current temperature of 64° under clear skies? Yes, the rain has stopped for a few hours. That allowed me to go downstairs and get the fur-children to go out around 4:00 a.m. Previously, they had been forced out by Mary around 10:45 p.m. with minimal results. Later today, the NWS has forecast sunny skies and a high temperature of 71°. Unfortunately, the NWS has added more T-storms into their forecast for late tonight into Thursday morning with a 40% to 50% probability. STWD spent much of last night and early this morning in the bathroom, so an encore is possible for tonight and part of Thursday.

Yesterday, baseball was mostly not very, very, good to me.

Unfortunately, the 43 - 36, but still 1st in the NL Central Cubs, dropped one to the 47 - 33, 1st in the NL East Braves, 2 - 3. The Cubs sent rookie pitcher Adbert Alzolay to the mound for his first MLB™ start. His first pitch was deposited into the bleachers by the Braves' lead-off hitter, Ronald Acuna Jr. Alzolay settled down after that and the Braves' lead was short-lived, as Willson Contreras got two RBIs with a double.

Sadly, Alzolay's reliever, Mike Montgomery, was only able to hold off the Braves for a short time, getting out of a bases-loaded jam in the 5th. Later in the game, he gave up a two-run home run that provided the Braves with the winning margin. The Cubs will once again call on Yu Darvish to pitch tonight and try to get his third win against three losses @ 8:05 p.m. EDT.

My beloved 44 - 37, 3rd place in the AL East Red Sox, took another one from that other team from Chicago, in a game that was played in the rain, 6 - 3. David Price got the win for the Red Sox. The Sox are once again playing in Fenway Park today @ 1:05 p.m. against that other team and their record in the AL Central of 36 - 41.

The 26 - 48, 4th in the AL Central Tigers, once again set a  new record for futility, as they lost to the 43 - 36, 2nd place in the AL West Rangers, 3 - 5. I wish there were some highlights, but alas, there are not. The Tigers and the Rangers play again tonight @ 7:10 p.m.

The 22 - 52, 8th place, yes, that's as low as you can get in the MWL East, won a game over the 30 - 45, 6th place in the MWL East Dragons, 3 - 1. Any old kind of 30 game winning streak gets the Caps even for the year. They play the Dragons once again tonight @ 7:05 p.m.

My orthopedist appointment went well yesterday and I am 1/5 of the way towards my latest knee relief. The Supartz™ injections I am receiving, are effective for about seven months. Fortunately, the alternative, knee replacement, is not something my doctor sees in my foreseeable future.

Otherwise, I never got to my painting yesterday, nor much of anything else I had on my agenda. I guess that that's okay, because when you are retired, time is not plentiful in the long term, but it is abundant in the short run. We often lose track of the day of the week. I woke up earlier thinking it was Sunday.

I did finish my latest novel last night, so that's all good. Now, I have to choose from another novel that I have on the shelf. Decisions, decisions.

Mary will be off to the grocery store today and maybe, just maybe this being a sunny day, we can both do those things that require sunshine. Painting for me, sewing for her. Ciao.

Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be, across the nation and across the world. It is just past 5:00 a.m. in "The City."

We have a current temperature outside the WW of 61° as we head towards sunrise @ 6:06 a.m. and well before the sun sets @ 9:28 p.m. During the day today, the high temperature should reach a very San Diego like 72° under mostly-sunny skies. However, there is a caveat in that forecast, as there is a Beach Hazard Statement in effect until 2:00 .p.m. this afternoon, meaning there exists a strong risk of rip currents and hazardous swimming conditions. In addition, there is also a Small Craft Advisory in effect until 11:00 a.m. this morning. Inexperienced sailors, small boats without instruments and people without a clue, should avoid sailing on the waters of the "Big Lake" until then. Wind speeds of from 15 to 25 knots and waves of from 3 to 5 feet in height are likely from Holland to well north of GH.

In baseball news, the 43 - 35, 1st place in the NL Central Cubs, once again hoisted the W flag over Wrigley Field with a convincing 8 - 3 win over the 46 - 33, 1st place in the NL West Braves. Jon Lester got the W. The Cubs and the Braves had a minor dust-up in the 2nd inning, but it was short-lived and the Cubs went on to win. Tonight, @ 8:05 p.m. EST, the Cubs send rookie pitcher Adbert Alzolay against the Braves' Max Fried. Meanwhile, the Cubs await a progress report on recently signed pitcher Craig Kimbrel, after what may be his final outing @ Triple A IA tonight. He could be in Wrigley Field very soon.'

My beloved, 43 - 37, 3rd place in the AL East Red Sox, came from behind to defeat that other team from Chicago, with a 3rd place record of 36 - 40 in the AL Central, by a final score of 6 - 5. The Red Sox and that other team take the field again tonight @ 7:10 p.m.

The 26 - 47, 4th place in the AL Central Tigers were mercifully off last night, before they face the 42 - 36, 2nd place in the AL West TX Rangers in Comerica Park tonight @ 7:10 p.m.

The 21 - 52, last place in the MWL East Caps also had the night off before they welcome the 4th place, 30 - 44 Dayton Dragons to the 5th/Third Ballpark tonight @ 7:05 p.m.

On to the really big news from yesterday. Last night, we were on our way out to the concert by Liz Longley @ Seven Steps Up in Spring Lake, when Mary gasped as she espied a "special visitor" to our back-forty. We have been wondering why some of our roses were minus their buds, and why some of our tomato plants were missing their tops. Well, we now have the answer. We don't know her name, but she was a doe, a deer, a female deer. Oops, I was channeling again. At any rate, as proof, I offer the following pix.

Apparently, our tomato plants and roses are an inviting salad bar to this deer in our small backyard.

Mary "spooked" her, but she was in no hurry to leave her new found meal venue.

When last seen, she was moseying through our neighbor's yard immediately to the south.

But, that was just the start of an exciting evening. We traveled to Seven Steps Up to see Liz Longley, a terrific singer/songwriter, perform many of her own songs along with her interpretations of some tunes made famous by other groups. I took a lot of pix to memorialize our evening, but I had to choose, so here goes.

 

Why go to a concert if you can't take a pic of the "supporting cast?" She considers the guitar on the right, a McPherson made in Sparta, WI, her favorite. McPhersons sell for thousands of dollars and are prized by some as works of art, and are coveted by musicians for their sound, tone and sustainability - the length of time a note sounds and based upon its sound, I'm not surprised. The 11-employee firm makes only 200 guitars a year which can range from a low of $5,000 to as much as $15,000! Liz received hers as a gift from Matt McPherson, the owner of the company.

She is a gifted guitarist.

But she is equally at home on the keyboards.

We could feel the emotion in her songs.

I had to go to YouTube™ for some samples of her tunes. Sorry about the ads, but they help support YouTube™!

Here is Liz during a live performance of her song, Camaro!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap3E7b_dWwU

She was equally terrific performing the Four Tops hit song  I Can't Help Myself.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23Llu4DAJ5w

But, it was on her own songs that she really shone! Here she is performing her own song. Memphis.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FUBgU-wghw

And performing her own song, This is Not the End.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Il0dmp86Q8

I could go on, but we will definitely return to see her thenext time she visits in Sprin Lake.

On the way home, since I had our Olympus DSLR camera around my neck, I was encouraged by Mary to take some sky-shots of the clouds overhead. What can I say, she was right! However, it is difficult to photograph the majesty of the clouds in the sky from a moving car.

Looking west as we left Spring Lake.

Northwest.

Amazing!

Due south.

I nearly forgot. Once we were home and after a small snack, I came up to the media room to watch the Cubs game while Mary stayed downstairs to read and watch TV with Ginger, who was happily ensconced on her new bed.

Today is a full day. Haircut @ 12:00 p.m. Orthopedist @ 1:20 p.m. Painting, reading, music, and ??? That's just my day. I don't know what Mary has in mind, but I know she wants to try some new vegan portabello mushroom recipes. However, that will require her goiing to the grocery store for some fresh mushrooms.
Ciao.

Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be, across the nation and across the world. It is just past 4:30 a.m. in "The City."

We have a current temperature of 62° as we fall all the way down to our overnight low of 61°, the nadir so so speak, of our temperature forecast for this early morning hours. Later today, we anticipate a high temperature of 77° as showers develop in the late afternoon and continue into tomorrow. This afternoon/evening, only showers are in the forecast @ 40% or more, but as the night wears on, that forecast changes to an 80% chance for T-storms. The sun will rise @ 6:06 a.m. and set later @ 9:28 p.m.

Yesterday was one of those days that keeps people who live in the Midwest in the Midwest. I know that there are a great number of snowbirds here in Michigan and elsewhere, people who escape the cold and snow from November to March by spending their winters in FL or AZ. But they also return to the Midwest every summer, like migrating birds generally do.

I brought up the weather here in the Midwest because we traveled to the Hemlock Crossing Nature Center on a beautiful day, for that talk and walk regarding Hognose snakes given by Jessi, one of the naturalists @ Hemlock. I took many pix, some during the presentation and many more during our walk. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, we didn't see any Hognose snakes during our walk. However, the scenery in the woodlands surrounding the nature center's main building yielded some terrific photo ops.

I liked the way the bird of prey over the door to the presentation hall helped to frame this shot.

This was the subject of the presentation, the venomous, but not dangerous, Hognose Snake.

On the way to Hemlock, we were running ahead of schedule, so we stopped to take a few pix of this private sculpture near the Pine Bend County Park.

Near the entrance to the Hemlock building are these lovely flowers in the pollinator gardens.

When you are looking for snakes, sometimes you find other interesting items to photograph along/in your path.

The sunlight through the trees made this shot attractive to me.

We'd not been on this trail @ Hemlock before, but it was very inviting and will "force" us to return.

As we crossed the bridge at the start of our snake walk, I took this shot of the lilies and their flowers.

This tree called out to me and said, "Take my picture, please." So I did.

Renee quietly awaited our return from our walk.

I took many more pix, as you are wont to do when you have a digital camera around your neck, but in the interest of brevity, I chose the ones above.

The late and immortal comedian, Rodney Dangerfield, once said, "I went to a fight the other night, and a hockey game broke out." Well, I tuned in to the Cubs game yesterday afternoon, only to learn that the Tigers had somehow taken possession of the Cubs uniforms. The Cubs, behind starter and loser, Jose Quintana, misplayed many Mets' hits and their own throws, while Quintana was serving up home runs like they were burgers at a fast-food stand. Oh well, there is always today's game @ 2:20 p.m. EDT, when Cole Hamels gets the ball from Cubs' manager Joe Maddon.

The Cubs have lost 8 of their last 12 games, including yesterday's lopsided loss to the Mets, 2 - 10. The rest of their divisional rivals are narrowing the gap between first and last place. The Cubs' 1st place lead over the 2nd place Brewers is a scant 1/2 game, and the 2nd place Cardinals are only one-game back. The Cubs' lead over the last place Pirates is a mere 5 1/2 games.

Speaking of the Tigers, while yesterday's score of 0 - 2 to the victorious Indians was not lopsided, it was still a loss. Starter and loser, Spencer Turnbull, did not have his "best stuff", but without that, he used brains over brawn to cool the Indians bats. Sadly, the Indians pitching staff put the Tigers' bats into the freezer and Turnbull got no run support. I guess that it could have been worse. The Tigers and the Indians play again today @ 1:10 pm.

My beloved Red Sox also managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, as they fell to the Blue Jays, 7 - 8. The Sox' bullpen imploded, once again, and thus the final score. Today's game pits Rick Porcello 5 - 6, for the Sox, against the Blue Jays 4 - 9,  Marcus Stroman @ 1:05 p.m.

The Caps, well, it happened again. They lost to the Lake County, OH Captains, 2 - 5 yesterday. What can I say, things are not going to end well. The Caps and the Captains take the field today @ 1:30 p.m. in OH.

Otherwise, I gave up an a novel I had started and began a new one from a series that I like. While not a challenging read, it is a known quantity.

Later this morning, we'll take the fur-children for a walk and then I may, or may not, get into the kitchen. I will get started on an acrylic painting I have planned before I sit down to watch baseball. Mary will continue to read and look at her rose garden. We also have to go to that nearby big-box home center to buy more fencing to discourage STWD from roving in the gardens by our deck and getting stuck. Ciao.

Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be, across the nation and across the world. It is just past 3:30 a.m. in "The City."

We have a current temperature of 60° under clear-skies, as we drop to our overnight low of 57°. Later today, the NWS has forecast a high of 78° under mostly-sunny skies, with just a a few wispy clouds passing overhead.

As you may recall, we had made plans, since canceled, to travel to the Kalamazoo Irish Festival yesterday and today. However, the reticence that led us to stay home turned out to be very prescient, as the streets of K'Zoo were flooded as recently as Thursday. "'You ask, so what?" Well, the K'Zoo Dept. of Public Safety had to rescue some fish from one of the streets as the floodwaters receded. Left behind is a huge mold generator, something that our allergies are sneezing about all the way from home. So....

We had both ends of the train run yesterday. At 8:20 a.m., MMRR locomotive #2019 rolled rapidly past, towing 8 CHCs, 3 DBTCs, and 2 DWTCs. Later, @ 12:15 p.m., that same locomotive rolled by heading north, towing heavily laden cars that included: 8 CHCs, 4 DBTCs, and 5 DWTCs.

Baseball was not berry, berry good to me last night, with a lone exception, the win that my beloved Red Sox pulled out of the proverbial hat, over the Blue Jays, 7 - 5. Down by scores of 4 - 1, then 5 - 1, then tied @ 5 - 5, the Sox fought back each time to go into extra innings and win the game in 10 innings, as Christian Vasquez nailed a two-run walk-off home-run in the bottom of the 10th. Starting pitcher Chris Sale has still not turned that proverbial corner, as he dug the Sox a big hole early on. But, I'll take a win anyway the Sox can get one. The Sox and the Blue Jays play again this afternoon @ 4:05 p.m.

The Cubs had very little luck against the hated NY Mets, as they fell 4 - 5. Yu Darvish got two hits to support his own efforts, but the balance of the squad just couldn't overcome the Mets as Darvish was once again hoisted on his own petard, and surrendered the tying run which led to the Cubs' ultimate loss. Sigh. The Cubs sent reliever Brad Brach to the hill in relief of Darvish, but he got the loss as he gave up the winning run. The Cubs send Jose Quintana to the mound later today @ 2:20 p.m.. By the by, the Brewers lost their game to the Reds and so the Cubs maintained their 1.5 game lead in the NL Central.

The Tigers, lost to the Indians, 6 - 7, as Matthew Boyd made some "mistakes" on the mound and the Indians capitalized for the win. The rebuilding Tigers play the Indians again today @ 4:10 p.m.

The West Michigan White Caps lost to the Lake County, OH Captains last night, 4 - 9. The 2nd half of the MWL East season seems like the immortal Yogi Berra might have said, "Déjà vu all over again." The Caps and the Captains play again today @ 1:30 p.m.

Otherwise, I made funfetti cookies yesterday and did some indoor chores before we set out to go to that big-box nearly everything store. Friday afternoon is apparently the time for all the "store zombies" to come out and jam up the aisles. We got most everything we planned to get, with the exception of jellied cranberry sauce. Apparently, the grocery buyer for this particular store still cannot figure out how to keep the shelves stocked with what are staple type goods, as the store was totally devoid of that and many other items. 

Today, we will be going to the Hemlock Crossing Education Center to listen to "Wildlife Encounter: Serpents of the Sand: Hognose Snake. Hognose Snakes, a.k.a. "spreading cobra", or "puff-adder", are nature's little actors. We'll find out how they got these misleading names and discover to what lengths this incredibly talented creature goes to in order to dissuade would-be predators. It should be good.

I should note, that when I was downstairs earlier to empty the dishwasher and refill the granulated garlic jar from the spice cabinet, I managed to crack the cap on our bottle of liquid smoke when it fell from the storage cabinet and spilled some on the counter. Now the kitchen smells like a hickory smoked meal. Oh well, I sealed the crack, wiped up the spill and once the open window helps to clear the air, the kitchen should begin to return to normal. Still, it is better than those ersatz floral or fruit scented air fresheners that drive us crazy.

Otherwise, I want to stay close to  home and do what I want when I want. So, that looks like enough for today. Ciao.

Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be, across the nation and across the world. It is now nearly 6:00 a.m. in ":The City."

I've just returned from a safari to the nether regions of the manse, AKA the first floor. While there, I took some pix of the roses from our vast gardens that Mary had placed in our foyer, AKA the "Flower Room." Yesterday, Mary reminded me that a few weeks ago, she had purchased a special light for taking pix with her macro lens. So, since the pix I took yesterday without that light didn't turn out very well, I found the light, figured out how to turn it on, and then attached it to the camera to take these shots with our general purpose lens. I'm not sure if I like any of them, but I'll put them here and let my loyal readers decide.

Angle one.

Similar, but not exactly the same angle.

More focused on just one of the roses.

At any rate, yesterday was just a layabout kind of day. I had plans, but by the time we got up and Mary had made scrambled tofu with toast for brunch, the day was mostly gone. I did let the fur-children out in a light rain, they were not happy, but that was the extent of my activities. So, we read the newspaper, I started the crossword, and pretty soon it was time to go to the chiropractor.

The Caps were rained out last night in OH, so they didn't lose any ground in their trek towards mediocrity in the MWL East following the All-Star break. They try again tonight in OH @ 5:30 p.m.

The 41 - 33 Cubs were the only MLB team of the ones that I follow, that played last night. They took a game from the hated NY Mets, 7 - 4, as newly promoted Adbert Alzolay, take note of that name, came in in relief of Tyler Chatwood, who started the game in place of Kyle Hendricks who is on the IL.  Alzolay worked four scoreless innings, recording 5 Ks and no hits until the top of the 9th, when he surrendered a home run. He was lifted by manager Joe Maddon and got a standing ovation from the crowd to go with  the win.

Along with a six-run outburst in the third inning and a solo home-run by Javier Baez in the seventh, the Cubs were able to get the win and gain a 1.5 game lead over the 2nd place Brewers, who were unceremoniously dumped by the Reds, 7 - 1. The Cubs and Yu Darvish play this afternoon @ 2:20 p.m. EDT.

All my other teams were off for the day and return to action tonight.

I am willing to wager that the attendance at the unveiling of the new sound system for the world famous GH Musical Fountain last night was lighter than expected, due to the cold that set in last night. I know, as Mary reminded me, that the average low temperature in June here is 54°, but that is still cold when you are sitting on the waterfront in an open-air stadium. Not for us in our dotage.

Today, we have to purchase a new downstairs bed for Ginger, as her old one is no longer serviceable and she didn't like the back-up bed we had held in reserve. She can be very picky about where she lays her head. So can we, so we shouldn't be surprised. STWD could care less as long as she has a comfortable spot on the floor. However, access to the bed we use is the preferred spot to wile away her days and nights. She doesn't like having to babysit Ginger downstairs when we go out, but Ginger still has those separation issues, so...

Otherwise, I haven't told Mary yet, but we need to make a run to that big-box nearly everything store too, as some of the things on our list can only be purchased there. I don't like it either, but with a pared down list that we can follow religiously, we should do fine and be in and out quickly.

I'd also like to continue my art activities too.

Our current temperature is 55° under partly-cloudy skies as we await the sunrise @ 6:05 a.m. and the sunset much later @ 9:28 p.m. Today's high should reach 67° if all goes according to the forecast from the NWS. Plus, the regular run of the trains should happen later today too.

Since I was talking about the sunrise in a very clinical and technical way, I though it would be appropriate to take some shots out the WW as the sun was rising. So, without further adieu, here they are.

I especially liked this one, looking northeast.

Shortly thereafter.

Different compostion.

Ciao.

Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be, across the nation  and across the world. It is just past 5:00 a.m. in "The City."

A current temperature reading from the NWS belies the "Real Feel" that I am getting through the WW. There is a steady rain falling and the wind is blowing @ 11 mph! So, it feels like what it is out there, cold and damp.

The fact of the matter is, gee, I like using an older phrase like that one. The fact of the matter is that the hourly forecast calls for the rain(s) to continue until about 1:00 p.m.today and then clear-up as we reach today's high of 70° following our overnight low of 54°! I know this is Michigan, but enough already. The sun will rise today @ 6:05 a.m. and set later @ 9:27 p.m.

We are scheduled to have the official first use/show tonight @ 10:00 p.m., featuring the new sound system to accompany Grand Haven's world famous Musical Fountain. Old music and new offerings are to be part of this unveiling. Is that the right word to use for audio things. unveiling? I dunno. It's not like you are pulling a cover off of a statue or a painting. Those are easily identified as an unveiling. Oh well, I guess it will be another of those mysteries for the ages. 

However, Andy Cawthon, who chairs the Musical Fountain committee, would not give details on Thursday’s performance at 10 p.m., but said it would feature “something old and something new.” The performance will begin with something familiar to the fountain audience, and will end with a new song. Hmmm, when a bride wears something for her wedding, she is supposed to wear something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue. Maybe they will close out tonight's Musical Fountain show with something blue, since technically speaking, all of the music is borrowed.

In 2015, the lights for the fountain were upgraded and the high-pressure water pumping system was recently upgraded too, so it should be quite the show for those in attendance @ the Lynn Sherwood Stadium across the river. I think in our eight years of living in GH, Mary and I have seen the old show only once, so perhaps it is time to see the show again, as it is now all new. However, we'll wait for more comfortable waterfront weather conditions. Below is a link to a previous show, courtesy of YouTube™. I hope you enjoy it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmIqVXyXeXQ

Baseball was very, very good to me last night. The 40 - 33 Cubs, took a game from that other team from Chicago, 7 - 3, to move to a 1/2 game lead over the Brewers in the NL Central. Cubs' catcher, Willson Contreras, got his third Grand Slam and a solo home-run in last night's game. I think it is safe to say that Contreras has arrived. The Cubs welcome the hated, 35 - 39, 4th place in the NL East NY Mets to Wrigley Field tonight @ 8:05 p.m. EDT.

My beloved, 41 - 35, 3rd place in the AL East Red Sox, soundly defeated the 1st place in the AL Central Twins last night, 9 - 4. Maybe, just maybe, the Sox are back to stay. At any rate, the Sox are off today before welcoming the 26 - 48, 4th place in the AL East Blue Jays to Fenway @ 7:10 p.m. Friday night.

I wish I could find a ray of hope for the 26 - 44, 4th place in the AL Central Tigers, but this is a "Rebuilding Year", so there is little to offer as proof that the Tigers are going anywhere this season. They were tripped up, 7 - 8, by the 5th  place, 33 - 40 in the NL Central Pirates last night. At least the Tigers have today off to lick their wounds before they head into Cleveland to face the 39 - 34, 2nd place in the AL Central Indians @ 7:10 p.m. Friday night.

The 21 - 48, West Michigan WhiteCaps resume regular-season play tonight in OH, when they take the field against the 40 - 29 Lake County, OH Captains @ 7:00 p.m.

Otherwise, we got the furniture back in place and Ginger is once again happy on the back of the newly-cleaned living-room couch. She was only "Homeless" for one day, but for a dog, that is a lifetime. STWD never felt displaced from her floor space.

We made a batch of vegan lasagna soup for lunch yesterday. I love soup, so I am not a good judge of what is good soup-wise, but even Mary likes this recipe. Later, we took a long walk to our favorite watering hole for dinner. We got in before the crowds that come with "The Season" descended.

Elsewhere, the day was relatively uneventful, unless you count the need to have our IT guru come into my computer and sort out why it was running so slow. It turns out that the temporary files were way too full and needed to be emptied. The people at our ISP wanted me to unplug everything for the umpteenth time or replace the Wi Fi router. Wisely, Mary knew that since the other devices in the manse that are served by that router were working fine, that the problem was localized to my computer. So, chagrined but now happily, I can report that all is well.

We did go to the car dealer for that oil change, but it turns out that our car uses synthetic motor-oil and with only 3,100 miles on the odometer, so no oil change and it should be fine until November. So that stop only took a few minutes.

I got an email from Dennis yesterday that he has officially retired after an adult lifetime of working for the same company. He says he doesn't miss the job, and I believe him. As someone who has been retired for many years, I can testify that you shouldn't let your life be defined by what you work/worked at, but by what you do now that you aren't working. He has plans to do volunteer work. Good advice for anyone.

So, today we'll continue our retirement activities, go to the chiropractor and do what makes us happy. For me that is more art, more music, more reading, more of whatever comes to mind. For Mary, more crafty things, more kitchen time, and more of whatever comes to her mind. We are both eschewing watching TV news, as the images and stories are just too depressing. Or, is that infuriating? Ciao.

Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be, across the nation and across the world. It is just after 4:00 a.m. in "The City."

A current temperature of 57° will give way to today's high of 65°, a full 9° cooler than yesterday's high of 76°! Yesterday was about average for this time of year here in GH, but today is another of the many anomalies that we've been experiencing this year. Plus, there is a 60% chance for showers today as well as tomorrow.

I did spot the southbound run of the train yesterday, as I observed MMRR locomotives 2019 and 2025 at the head of 16 CHCs, 3 DBTCs, and 3 DWTCs, all fully loaded. I was on my way to my orthopedist appointment on my bicycle when I saw those two locomotives heading north, but I only espied the first few CHCs they had in tow.

My orthopedic appointment went well after I had lunch at the hospital salad bar. I am a bit lacking in arm strength, but my range of motion is excellent and the doctor believes that the strength will return by the end of the year, coincidentally the anniversary of my surgery. He was pleased, as am I, that I can easily play my guitars without any problems.

We had the carpet cleaning people in yesterday and they did excellent work while Ginger was at the groomers. The carpet and the couch are still drying, no surprise, but they should be good to go by this afternoon.

Baseball news yesterday was not so good. The Cubs dropped one to that other team from Chicago, 1 - 3, in spite of Cole Hamels becoming just the 10th left-handed pitcher in MLB history to record 2,500 Ks. Sadly, Pedro Strop took over and surrendered a two-run home-run in the top of the 9th to put a damper on the Cubs hopes for a win. That loss did not prove fatal, as the Brewers also lost to their opponent, the San Diego Padres. Those Cubs and that other team play again tonight @ 8:05 p.m. EDT. The Cubs are still 1/2 game behind the Brewers in the NL Central.

The Tigers defeated the Pirates last night, 5 - 4. Sadly for the Pirates, they were supposed to have a good year, but they are languishing in last place in the NL Central. The Tigers and the Pirates take the field again tonight @ 7:05 p.m.

Alas, my beloved Red Sox fell to the Twins last night, 3 - 4, after nearly six hours and 17 innings of baseball. Jackie Bradley Jr., was once again a magician in the outfield, robbing Jorge Polanco and sticking to the wall like Spider-Man for a brief second. The Sox and the Twins will try to do their best in nine innings tonight @ 8:10 p.m.

As you may recall, the Caps are enjoying the MWL All-Star break and won't take the field again until tomorrow.

Today, we have to get the oil changed on the car. We've had her for about 7 months, but have accumulated only a shade over 3,000 miles on the odometer. So to be on the safe side, we'll have the oil changed.

Otherwise, we have to replace the furniture, do some coloring and/or drawing and painting, read the newspaper and do the crossword, play some music, and whatever else comes to mind. Retirement is sure a busy time in life. We are watching the weather forecast for Kalamazoo, to decide whether to make the trip to the Kalamazoo Irish Fest this weekend. Last year, the rains were an annoyance and we don't want to repeat the experience. Ciao.

Oh, an update. The sun rose @ 6:05 a.m. and it will set later today @ 9:27 p.m.

Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be, across the nation and across the world. It is just past 1:00 a.m. in "The City."

A current temperature of 59° will drop down to our overnight low of 55° under cloudy skies. Earlier, yesterday evening, when Mary let the fur-children out, there was a "Beautiful full moon." Today's high is forecast to reach 64° under partly-cloudy skies once the sun rises @ 6:05 a.m. and well before it sets @ 9:27 p.m.

Yesterday I took my inaugural bike ride in preparation for my trip to an appointment at the orthopedist later today. Yesterday's ride was nearly one-mile, but my round trip later today will be nearer to two miles. Meanwhile, back at the manse, the downstairs's carpets will get a visit from the carpet cleaning people, Ginger will be getting groomed and boarded, and Mary will be staying out of the way.

Otherwise, yesterday was mostly uneventful. I made another batch of my soon to be famous vegan Italian meatballs, which our resident expert on all things Italian, food wise at least, pronounced very good. We had some for our lunch, and I am inclined to agree.

John, our resident Italian food expert and handyman, was here to do some paint touch-ups, caulk the bathtub, install a light-switch, install my Cubs' whirligig on the garage, install my room air conditioner, and adjust the latch on the front storm door. Just reading my description makes me tired.

Mary went to the grocery store while I read my novel.

As the day wore down, we walked to JWs, for some adult libations.

The only baseball team in action yesterday, my beloved Red Sox, used seven strong innings of pitching by starter Rick Porcello and his 8 Ks, to defeat the Twins, 2 - 0. The Sox and the Twins go again tonight @ 8:10 p.m.

All my other teams had the day off, but the Cubs welcome that other team from Chicago to the "Friendly Confines" @ 8:05 p.m.EDT this evening.

The Tigers are in Pittsburgh tonight @ 7:05 p.m. to face the Pirates.

The Caps are in Ohio to play the Captains @ 7:00 p.m.

I think today looks very busy, so I hope that all goes according to plan. Ciao,.

Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be, across the nation and across the world. It is just before 5:30 a.m. in "The City."

Let's see if we can make this an abbreviated blog. Oops, by writing that, I have already violated my plan.

We have a current temperature of 57° as we stroll towards today's high of 68° under cloudy-skies. The sun will rise in less than one-hour @ 6:04 a.m. and set much, much, later @ 9:27 p.m.

I had a great Father's Day yesterday. Although I missed Adam and Steph in person, I did get their card in Saturday's mail and a phone call while we were out to dinner @ Don Luis Mexican Restaurant last night. In addition, Mary made my requested waffles with hammish for brunch, so all in all it was a great day.

No so much for my baseball teams. The now 2nd place Cubs finished their 2 - 5 road trip out west with a 2 - 3 loss to the Dodgers. The Cubs have the day today off before returning to Wrigley to face that other team from Chicago @ 8:05 p.m. Tuesday night.

My beloved Red Sox took another from the Orioles, 8 - 6, but there is no rest for the Sox, as they have a game in MN tonight against the Twins @ 8:10 p.m. The Twins are leading the AL Central division, so it will be a real challenge for Rick Porcello and the Sox.

The Tigers, they were drubbed by the Indians, 8 - 0 yesterday. The Tigers are going nowhere this season, that's for certain. The Tigers are mercifully off today before opening a series against the Pirates Tuesday night @ 7:05 p.m.

The Caps fell once again to the South Bend Cubs, 3 - 4. They now have a few days off to enjoy the MWL All-Star break before returning to the field to face the Lake County, OH Captains in OH, @ 7:00 p.m. Thursday night. Here's hoping that the second half of their season is better than the first.

Otherwise, we have nothing on tap for today. John should be by to tidy up some loose ends around the manse and I'll continue to read and enjoy life. Ciao.

Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be, across the nation and across the world. It is just past 5:30 a.m. in "The City."

We have a current temperature in the Tri-Cities area of 61° as we slowly edge towards today's high of 63°. That's okay, because by tomorrow, Monday, the NWS is forecasting a high of 71°. However, today's forecast includes an 80% chance for intermittent showers throughout the day and into the evening. Otherwise, nothing of import has been forecast by the NWS. The sun will rise shortly @ 6:04 a.m. and set later into cloudy skies @ 9:26 p.m.

Mary and I were discussing whether the weather, gosh I can't believe I phrased it that way, was different in the years before we lived here. We decided that when we used to come up after school was out for the year, that it was always cooler in June with perhaps one exception. So, I'll just have to be patient. That's something that should come easier at my age, but which seems to be more elusive, as I want things to go faster sometimes. Go figure.

I recently finished reading humorist Dave Barry's newest book, Lessons from Lucy, anecdotes from his life with Lucy, his adopted shelter dog of mixed lineage. Several lessons were chronicled by Dave, but a few stick out. One, always have fun. Two, always make time for those in your life whom you should try to reconnect with more often. Oh, and one other. That's the lesson that you should never take yourself or most anything too seriously, as time is too fleeting to waste it worrying about the things you can't change or on regrets about things you have already done. Dave also believes that dogs don't consider the superficiality of appearance. If they like your smell, they like you and that's it. Maybe we could all learn from that lesson.

As Dave put it, Lucy, and likely all dogs, live in the now. Once an event has happened, they move on to the next event and don't worry about the past. Once the letter carrier, the UPS man, the trash man, or whomever is gone from their view, they settle back into Dog Snooze mode and life goes on, with one notable exception regarding STWD.

That lesson that I learned regards STWD. She has become increasingly apprehensive regarding loud noises, whatever their source, be it thunder, tape unrolling from a roll of tape, vacuum cleaners, air hammers, and most of all, fireworks. Last night, she raced to her hide-e-hole for solace when the Village of Spring Lake closed out their Heritage Festival with fireworks.

Loud noises with no known source, rhyme, nor reason, must be to Sugar like thunder was to people of olden times. That's why there were/are so many mythical explanations to explain the inexplicable source of thunder. One I remember well, is that the G-ds were bowling in the sky and that's where the thunder noises came from. For Sugar, loud fireworks are inexplicable and so she, of her own personal necessity, repairs to the bathroom in search of safety. I wish I could do more to comfort her, but there seems to be nothing I can do except pet and reassure her. Two more loud nights to go Sugar, the Fourth of July and the Coast Guard Festival fireworks.

But as is all too often the case, I digress.

I was out early yesterday to walk Sugar before I went to my Irish Jam session, and I noticed that the Irises and Roses were in full bloom along with much of the vast gardens. I just had to take some pictures.

Shakespeare would have said "A rose by any other name."

One bloom of the many Irises in bloom.

The vast gardens in all their blooming glory.

Not blooming, but a pic of the great card I got from Adam and Steph for Father's Day, and how I plan to spend it.

More Irises nearby.

Baseball news yesterday was not perfect, unlike the flowers provided by Mother Nature.

The Cubs eked out a one-run win over the Dodgers last night 2 - 1, on a home run in the top of the 9th by Anthony Rizzo. The oft maligned Yu Darvish didn't get the win, but he held the Dodgers to one run over his seven innings of work to make Rizzo's home-run the winner. That win coupled with the loss by the Brewers, ties the Cubs and the Brewers for 1st place in the NL Central. Sadly, pitcher Kyle Hendricks has inflammation in his right, that's his pitching arm, shoulder and is on the IL for 10 days. Tonight, the Cubs and the Dodgers are the feature game on Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN, at 7:05 p.m. EDT.

My beloved Red Sox handily defeated the Orioles last night, as they should, 7 - 2. Chris Sale once again recorded 10 plus Ks and got the win, his 3rd, against 7 losses. He almost always pitches well, but too often, the Sox' hitters don't deliver many runs in support. The Sox and the Orioles play this afternoon @ 1:05 p.m. EDT.

The Tigers, I wish there was something good to say, but another home loss in front of sparse crowds in a rainy game @ Comerica Park doesn't leave much good to talk about. Another loss, this one 2 - 4, was just not pretty. The Tigers and the Indians play again this afternoon @ 1:10 p.m.

Fortunately for the WhiteCaps, their game against the South Bend Cubs was cancelled due to rain, before anything bad could happen. No word on a makeup date, but the Caps and the Cubs play today, weather permitting, @ 2:00 p.m.

So today looks like a day of reading, resting, fur-children tending and whatever else comes to mind. I have already cleaned the kitchen and the downstairs bathroom, so that is out of the way. One more bathroom to go along with some indoor chores. Ciao.